least possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the minimum amount or degree of something that is achievable or acceptable. Example: "We should aim to use the least possible resources to complete the project efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The least possible.

The Economist

It's at least possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still, there are at least possible explanations.

The New York Times

That goal is at least possible".

The New York Times

He promises "the least possible impact".

The New York Times - Sports

SUDDENLY, it is at least possible to imagine summer.

The New York Times - Travel

Some will scoff but it is at least possible.

Independent

I want to complete this task at the least possible cost to America's sons and daughters".

The New York Times

It's easy – or, at least, possible – for Malcolm Turnbull to denounce ABC journalists as elitists.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the game should go ahead tomorrow, causing the least possible inconvenience to the England supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

And most of all, we would have the least possible amount of technology, of technical mediation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for efficiency, specify using the "least possible" resources to achieve the best outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "least possible" when the intended meaning is unclear or when a simpler alternative like "minimal" or "smallest" would suffice. Ensure the context clearly implies a constraint or optimization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least possible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the minimum or smallest extent achievable. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is versatile and applicable across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least possible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that conveys the idea of minimizing something. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When aiming for concision, simpler alternatives might be preferable in certain situations. As Ludwig's examples highlight, the phrase is especially effective when the context involves constraints or optimizations. The sources from Ludwig are authoritative, which confirms the reliability and correctness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum achievable

Replaces "least" with "minimum", focusing on what can be achieved.

lowest attainable

Similar to "minimum achievable", emphasizing the bottom limit that can be reached.

absolute minimum

Implies a non-negotiable lower limit.

utter minimum

Synonymous with absolute minimum

smallest imaginable

Emphasizes the lower limit from a conceptual perspective.

bare minimum

Highlights reducing something to its essential components.

rock-bottom level

Suggests reaching the lowest point or degree.

tiniest quantity

Highlights very small measurable amount.

negligible amount

Focuses on something being so small it's hardly worth considering.

bottommost extent

Points to the lowest possible reach or limit of something.

FAQs

How can I use "least possible" in a sentence?

You can use "least possible" to describe minimizing an action, quantity, or impact, such as "We aim to cause the "least possible" inconvenience to our customers".

What is a good substitute for "least possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "minimum achievable", "smallest imaginable", or "absolute minimum" as alternatives to "least possible".

When is it appropriate to use "least possible" versus "minimum"?

"Least possible" often implies an active effort to reduce something to its lowest limit within given constraints, while "minimum" generally refers to a required or specified lower bound. For instance, "We want to spend the "least possible" amount of money on this project" suggests actively minimizing spending, whereas "the minimum amount required is $100" specifies a lower limit.

Can "least possible" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "least possible" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly conveys a desire to minimize something and is widely accepted in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.